Daily Strides Podcast for Equestrians

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Here's Exactly What to Do In Your Riding This Week May 24, 2021

Show notes

What are your plans for your riding this week? Specific plans... Not what you think you will do. Or what you 'might' do if you have time...

One of the biggest things that hold riders back, particularly riders who are working alone, is the lack of a plan.

And this does not have to be the case. Yes, I get that you're probably not a horse riding instructor or trainer. I also realize that you have no real experience in creating the plan. However, you know you best. And, you also know what you want.

So with those two things in mind, I am going to give you the step-by-step approach I advise my riders to use that will get you into the saddle with intention and purpose, week after week, going forward.

Get your journal out, pens at the ready... And let's go :)

Let's Work Together:-

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Audio Horse Riding Lesson - Noticing When You're Collapsing in the Saddle May 17, 2021

Show notes

You can feel it when your horse 'hollows', right? And I bet you can also feel it when your horse 'grows a hand' and begins to carry himself. There is either a feeling of contraction or expansion. Okay, so because we agree on that, it makes sense that your horse can probably feel the same thing... Right?

And yet, so many riders fail to consider the knock on effects that collapsing in the saddle cause. How, just like when your horse hollows, your collapsing affects the whole ride.

When No-One is Watching

What I have noticed after working with thousands of riders is that how most ride when alone and how they ride when being watched or judged, are different. And yet, study any truly successful* rider and you will only see consistency. What they do in the ring before the crowd is the same as what they do back home in the arena on a bog-standard Tuesday.

*I personally believe success can mean something different to every rider. To me, success as a rider is to have a deep relationship with a horse built on trust, respect, quality-focused time, and intention.

So back to you... How do you ride when no one is watching? What do you do when you notice someone is paying attention. Or when you pay someone to judge, coach, train, or instruct you. Still not sure? Okay, imagine I'm going to stand in the arena with you on your next ride. What's the first thought that goes through your head? That is usually a good indicator of how you will 'change' based on who is watching.

Let's Work Together:-

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
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Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
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Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:-

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The 3 Undeniable Effects of Bad Posture when You Ride May 10, 2021

Show notes

Posture. It's something that many people (equestrians or not) have memories of a parent or teacher correcting them on! And perhaps this is why many riders don't want to hear about their posture when it comes to their riding.

However, no matter what way you approach your riding, or what discipline you choose to work with your horse on, posture counts.

I believe that bad posture in the saddle accounts for 3 big 'sticking points' for many riders in the saddle.

Let's Work Together:-

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
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Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:-

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Are you Working on Your Self-Carriage When You Ride? May 03, 2021

Show notes

Self-carriage is a pretty big topic when it comes to riding and riders in general. And it should be. It is an important aspect when it comes to training moving in the right direction. However - you knew there was a 'however' coming, right?!

Often we put the cart before the horse when it comes to self-carriage in riding. We focus on the horse's self-carriage - or lack thereof. When, in reality, we should first focus on the rider's ability to correctly carry themselves first.

Creating Space

The reason this is true is pretty obvious when you actually spend time looking at horses and their riders. In order for the horse to truly begin to embrace the concept of self-carriage in their training, there must be space available for them to move into.

Self-carriage, in its simplest form, means that the upper (or front end if we are talking about your horse) of the body is being carried or supported by the lower (or back in, again in the case of your horse) part of the body.

In order for this to occur there needs to the necessary strength and engagement through the core of the body. And it is this 'core engagement' that is so often missing as riders work and train in the saddle with their horse.

Let's Work Together:-

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191

Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:-

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How Your Stories are Influencing Your Horse Riding Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Stories are a funny thing. They are usually part of an experience that was very real at some point. However, as a rider, it is important to always update and be aware of your stories. And this requires you to begin actively analyzing what you are saying to yourself on a moment-by-moment basis.

Your Stories on Autopilot

This sounds relatively easy... However, when we are doing something which we have done often and regularly before, we can become a little complacent.

Our actions and our thoughts, so, therefore, our stories, tend to just repeat themselves. Without a whole lot of effort from you.

This is great when the story is causing a positive outcome. For example, "my horse really listens to me when we work together on the ground" might be something you say on a regular basis and, therefore, believe. However, these same stories can really work against us at other times. The story, maybe "I struggle to control my horse when he spooks" begins to negatively affect your riding.

The story itself is not that important. However, the actions that accompany this story can often cause us to become literally 'stuck' where our riding is concerned.

Let's Work Together:-

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191

Join the 2021 Equestrian Fitness Challenge:-

Additional Resources:-

Friend or Foe? Your Lunging Whip when Lunging Your Horse Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

Have you been using your lunging whip incorrectly? Have you decided not to use it at all?

Your lunging whip is one of the best aids you have to help you clarify your communication when it comes to lunging your horse. However, in order for it to be of benefit, it must be used correctly.

And, unfortunately, the lunging whip can often be misused, and often, therefore, misunderstood when it comes to aids in lunging and riding.

Lunging Whip; What's in a Name?

For many riders, their resistance to and incorrect use of the lunging whip is caused by the name we have given this piece of equipment. I have a feeling that if a lunging whip was called a pointer or a demonstrator, it would 'feel' different for many riders to incorporate it into their conversation with their horse.

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191

Download Your Free Riding Plan:-

FREE Download:- 1 Exercise Multiple Ways

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Working Towards Self Carriage with Your Horse on the Lunge Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

Self carriage is something a lot of riders have on their 'goals' list for their horse. As though it is something that can be achieved once and 'ticked off'. Done and dusted. If only…

I believe that self carriage is a sign of development and growth in both horse and rider. A start in the sharing of responsibilities that lead to the desired outcome. Each team member realizing that it truly does take a team effort in order to make real and lasting progress.

And yet, so often, the rider can get in the way and actually hinder the horse's training when it comes to self carriage.

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191

Download Your Free Riding Plan:-

FREE Download:- 1 Exercise Multiple Ways

Additional Resources:-

6 Questions for When You've Stopped Improving as a Rider Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

It is one of the most frustrating experiences as a rider when you notice that you've stopped improving. Progress has stalled! You're doing 'all the things' but, seemingly, to no avail whatsoever.

This is a commonplace that all riders can find themselves in at some point or another. And the good news is that there are things you can begin doing today that will help you get moving and improving as a rider soon.

6 Questions For When You've Stopped Improving

Connect with Lorna

Connect on Instagram @stridesforsuccess https://instagram.com/stridesforsuccess
Connect on Facebook https://facebook.com/stridessuccess

Join the Free Private Communities

Connect in the Mindset & Fitness for Equestrians Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SFS30DayRiderFitnessChallenge
Connect in the Virtual Stable Lounge Private Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499737810323191

Download Your Free Riding Plan:-

FREE Download:- 1 Exercise Multiple Ways

Additional Resources:-

Fixing Your Position for Less 'Bump' When Horse Riding Over Groundpoles Mar 22, 2021

Show notes

It can feel bumpy, right? A little more space than what you're used to feeling. And, if there are two or more poles, well, it can all get a little unbalanced! For you and your horse.

I preach all the time about the benefits of groundpoles when used correctly. And, one of those benefits comes from riders learning what to do when navigating them.

Groundpoles are, well, Poles!

One of the first issues riders come up against when working over groundpoles is that they treat them like they're not there. They are. And all of the bumpy, unbalanced, sometimes discomfort, you are feeling when you ride over them is evidence of that! Expecting to initially ride over groundpoles and not do a thing differently is simply setting both you and your horse up for an uncomfortable experience.

As your horse steps over the pole, he will use his body differently.

He has to lift his legs higher. Yes, 4 to 5 inches is still higher. He will also have to step under himself a little more to propel himself forward. This is especially true if there are two or more poles for him to navigate. He will engage his core. A little like 'tightening up his tummy' as he moves over them. And he will stretch down and forward with his head and neck to see what he is doing, to balance, and to allow the freedom of movement the rest of his body needs.

All of the above is one of the reasons groundpoles are so beneficial for your horse, regardless of discipline or training level.

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